Week 1: Introduction to Python and Computational Thinking
Content for the week of January 13, 2026
Assignments Due
- Sign up for the Element Space
- Install Anaconda and VSCode (Goal 1 in the Week 1 Coding Challenge). This video may help if you get stuck.
Required Readings
None
Agenda
- Class overview and expectations — We’ll walk through the syllabus.
- Week 1 Coding challenge - Includes checking that everything installed right and going through a number of exercises.
- Today’s slides
By the end of class you will:
- Have a working python environment on your personal laptop.
- Have written your first program in the python language.